To the Editor:

The Arc of Beaufort County will be holding its annual membership meeting Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Turnage Theatre in downtown Washington. We are hoping that we can reach out to our younger families at the Child Development Center and all persons living in our group homes, apartments and working in our day programs. Everyone is welcomed to attend. We are especially looking for all persons interested in knowing more about advocacy for persons with developmental disabilities.

Dr. Michael Smith, the associate director for Trillium Health Resources, a local governmental agency managing mental health, substance abuse and developmental disabilities, will be talking about the recent funding cuts made by the General Assembly and how Trillium is responding to those challenges. Trillium’s new initiatives to curb the growing opioid epidemic will also be a topic. Christina Reaves, program and outreach director of Triangle Down Syndrome Network, will also be sharing the network’s mission to support parents of children with Down syndrome.

You do not have to be a member of The Arc of Beaufort County to attend, but we do hope you consider joining us Wednesday night. The Arc of Beaufort County has a rich history with the Beaufort County Developmental Center since 1974.

The Arc is “committed to securing for all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the opportunity to choose and realize their goals of where and how they learn, live, work and play.”

TJ Warren
Board member, The Arc of Beaufort County